We all know aging is inevitable. However, aging doesn't have to be difficult or uncomfortable. We can learn how to age gracefully and with ease by using the wisdom of Ayurveda for old age and longevity. Ayurveda is an ancient science that teaches us how to live in a state of optimal health by aligning ourselves with our true nature and the natural elements. We find this state of optimal health by living per the seasons, limiting our causes to disease, and practicing time-tested remedies. But before we learn how to live in a state of optimal health in Ayurveda for old age and longevity, we must first know what optimal health is.

What is Optimal Health?

According to Ayurveda, optimal health is defined as Svastha. Sva meaning Self, and Stha meaning establish, steady, and stable. Svastha is made up of the two selves:
  • Self: Capital S signifying the Soul or higher nature, the Self that is connected to the greater whole.
  • self = Small s indicating the ego or lower nature, the self that is disconnected from the whole.
Ayurveda teaches us that Svastha is the divine union of earth self and our higher Self. This union describes the Soul befriending the ego—perfect health results from both positive self-esteem (ego) and spiritual Self-awareness (Soul). It is essential to understand this connection of self and Self because when we carry this divine alignment, we will be increasing our vitality and thus increasing our longevity in life. However, this is often easier said than done due to disease.

The 3 Causes of Disease

In Ayurveda, the three causes of disease are a misuse of the senses, failure of the intellect, and time and motion. It is through these three causes of disease that we may begin to age more rapidly.

Misuse of The Senses

Our senses are what drive our physical experience. Proper use of our senses can help us live a long and harmonious life. However, improper use of our senses can cause aggravation and, later on, disease. Misuse of the senses could be eating too much or eating junk food, smelling overly stimulating scents, losing sleep, or listening to violent music and movies that invigorate fear. Proper use of the senses may depend on your specific dosha, but you can create harmony by generally living per the seasons by tuning into nature. Below we will discuss specific ways to live per nature through Ayurveda for old age to increase your lifespan.

Failure of The Intellect

This cause of disease is a crossroads for our Self and self because it is essentially our Self stating it’s wisdom, while the self shares its desires for pleasure. The intellect must always choose between whispers of the Soul (harmony and health) vs. the party of the self (pleasure). Here is an example of the failure of the intellect: Imagine you have a critical interview tomorrow at 8 am. You plan to go to bed early the night before to rest and prepare, but your best friend calls and invites you to an unforgettable experience. Your Self knows that it would be best to stay in and rest, but your self craves the experience. Depending on how you choose, you may be adding to disease or alleviating yourself from it.

Time and Motion

Linear time is static in the physical world. Biological time is dynamic. Time is a measurement of motion, and motion causes disease. Thus, excessive movement can cause us to settle into the earth self (ego) rather than the higher Self (harmony). Excessive motion is very dominant in the Western world. We have a go-go-go mentality, and everything is encouraged at rapid speed. This increase in speed keeps us attached to the lower self, and does not allow us to live in a state of optimal health. By slowing down this motion, your life can extend. Ayurveda for old age prospers when we slow down and live per our true nature as spirit.

Ayurvedic Remedies for Old Age and Longevity

Ayurvedic remedies for aging focus on inviting us to tune into the natural workings of nature and our higher Self. These remedies increase the longevity of our lives. Below you’ll find practical remedies you can apply easily to your daily life.

Practice Meditation

Meditation is a time-tested practice that slows our stress response rate. It allows our minds and bodies to settle back into a parasympathetic state (rest and reset) and lowers our fear-based beliefs, which are harmful to longevity. Research studies have reported that consistent meditation practices increase our awareness of the present moment, leading to positive cognitions, and increased acceptance of emotional experience. This results in a reduction in stress, which slows the rate of cellular aging.

Establish a Dinacharya

Ayurveda for old age and longevity promotes living in accordance with nature for optimal health. By aligning ourselves with the Ayurvedic clock, inspired by nature’s natural rhythm, we then find alignment with our Selves. Establish a dinacharya (daily routine) to find peace and harmony. While there are many different ways, you can incorporate a daily routine, here is a common 30-minute Ayurvedic morning dinacharya you may try for optimal health.
  • Wake with the sun
  • Tongue clean + Oral Hygiene
  • Eliminate
  • Pranayama + meditation (10 mins)
  • Yoga Asana (15 minutes)

Consume Herbal Rasayanas

Rasayana is the Ayurvedic branch of knowledge that deals with rejuvenation and longevity. Although there are a number of herbal rasayanas that are intended to enhance the body and mind to prevent degenerative changes that lead to disease, Chyawanprash is the most popular and versatile. Chyawanprash is a powerful medicinal herbal supplement designed to facilitate healthy tissue growth in every system of the body. In particular, Chyawanprash helps boost the respiratory, circulatory, digestive, and immune systems to increase energy, sharpen clarity and focus, and strengthen the body, mind, and spirit connection for optimal health. Chyawanprash is considered the nectar of longevity and provides qualities to enhance your lifespan. Take 1 tsp of PIOR Living Chyawanprash daily for sustained energy and optimal health.

Find Movement Through The Five Tibetan Rites

Movement is a crucial factor in optimal health. It is vital to move our bodies daily to keep our bones, muscles, and joints healthy and mobile. The Five Tibetan Rites are known as the fountain of youth and are a traditional practice that consists of five exercises performed 21 times a day. These five exercises’ daily routine increases longevity, vitality, and the quality of one’s life. Discover how to practice the Five Tibetan Rites.

Choose Seasonal Foods

To further increase optimal health, choose seasonal whole foods. Tapping into nature’s wisdom means listening to her cues and aligning with what nature is doing. Eat the foods that the earth is naturally producing at certain times of the year. Consume warm, moist, cooked foods for optimal digestion and health.

Tying it All Together

Living according to Ayurveda for old age refocuses our attention to the alignment of ourselves with our true nature as spirit. This state of optimal health is the divine union between our lower self (ego) and our higher Self (Soul and harmony). By following these Ayurvedic remedies, you can find your way back to optimal health to live a long and prosperous life. Clare Michalik, Ayurvedic Practitioner @Clareminded
Back to blog